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The Green Sleeper BlogWed, 30 Mar 2016 00:08:39 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.4Top 10 Eco-Friendly Mattresses and Mattress Companieshttp://www.thegreensleeper.com/top-10-eco-friendly-mattresses-mattress-companies/
http://www.thegreensleeper.com/top-10-eco-friendly-mattresses-mattress-companies/#respondWed, 30 Mar 2016 00:08:39 +0000http://www.thegreensleeper.com/?p=132Are you looking for the most eco-friendly mattress around? With all the claims made by retailers it can be a difficult task. Comparing the variety [...]

Are you looking for the most eco-friendly mattress around? With all the claims made by retailers it can be a difficult task. Comparing the variety of materials and sorting fact from fiction is enough to make anyone’s head spin.

To help you in your search making buying a new bed a little easier, we went through the claims and owner ratings of many top green brands. Read on to learn about the top 10 most eco-friendly mattresses and see what to avoid when looking for healthier sleep.

Top Green Mattresses

There are many different types of green mattresses available nowadays, owing largely to the booming demand for healthy, chemical free products. Memory foam, latex and innerspring models can all be made in ways that don’t harm the environment.

We considered the makeup, manufacturing process and life cycle of the major brands in our assessment. Below are our top 10 green mattresses and a short snippet on each of the brands. Our number one pick is first, followed by the runners up.

Owner satisfaction rates provided from SleepLikeTheDead.com and verified customer reviews are listed with the beds.Other factors were considered in our overall ratings as well, like cleanness of materials, third-party certifications for organic or low-chemical materials, and overall value. Here are the brands we found to offer the best options for eco-conscious shoppers.

#1. Astrabeds 92%

Astrabeds Harmony Bed is made from 100% certified organic materials.

Our pick for the company with the most eco-friendly mattresses available, Astrabeds only sells certified organic beds. The Harmony is their most popular model. It has three layers of organic dunlop latex and an organic wool fire barrier on the inside with an organic cotton cover on the outside. All Astrabeds mattresses are certified organic and VOC free.

Each bed is compressed before shipping, which lowers emissions caused by transportation. This is an all around green product, since it uses only organically-grown materials and even reduces impact on it’s way to you . You can find the Harmony at Astrabeds.com.

#2. Amerisleep 95%

The Liberty Bed from Amerisleep is made from plant-based memory foam.

Amerisleep uses an innovative process to create plant-based memory foam mattresses. Unlike traditional petroleum-based memory foam, these are derived from more sustainable soy oils. Drilling for less oil and using bio-based technologies are both good for the environment. Also, the foam is made without ozone depleters, PBDE flame retardants, mercury, formaldehyde, lead or hazardous phthalates. Owner reviews also mention little to no odor when setting up their beds.

Amerisleep mattresses are all covered in a Celliant-infused fabric. This innovative thermoreactive material converts excess body heat into healing infrared light and has been clinically proven to reduce pain and improve blood circulation. Amerisleep mattresses are compressed before shipping saving on fuel costs. Visit Amerisleep.com to shop.

3. Savvy Rest 80%

Savvy Rest mattresses are made with either organic dunlop or natural talalay latex. Customers can choose which type they prefer. Each option comes with an organic cotton cover and an organic wool fire barrier. They generally receive good reviews, but some buyers find them a bit pricy. You can find Savvy Rest at SavvyRest.com.

4. Essentia 83%

One of the biggest names in eco-friendly beds, Essentia uses latex foam. This Canadian company uses a proprietary blend in their “natural memory foam” comfort layer, which rests atop a latex core. Information on the materials in their natural memory foam layer proves somewhat vague, however. The mattress has an organic cotton cover and is available at MyEssentia.com.

5. Saatva 82%

One of the highest rated innersprings, Saatva mattresses all feature a pillow top and an organic cotton cover. They are one of the few reputable spring bed companies who sell directly to their customers, which helps to reduce costs. As with all innersprings, longevity may be an issue. Beds that last longer don’t have to be replaced as often, which uses less materials overall, though they do use recycled steel for coils. Shop for Saatva at SaatvaMattress.com.

6. Tuft & Needle 77%

A recently formed startup, Tuft and Needle has made a splash. They claim to have the top rated mattress on Amazon, though reviews elsewhere around the web hover around average. They only have one model and firmness available, which can be too firm for many people, especially side sleepers. The cover is a rayon and polyester blend. Tuft and Needle compresses the mattress prior to shipping to help reduce emissions, and does use Certipur foams. Tuft and Needle mattresses are available at TuftAndNeedle.com.

7. Casper 84%

Casper is another new company on the scene who only offers one model and firmness. The Casper mattress has a synthetic latex comfort layer over a foam base. Instead of harmful chemical flame retardants, the mattress has a mechanical fire sock composed of silica threads. The Casper mattress is available at Casper.com.

8. Flobeds 83%

You will see the word “organic” quite a bit in the advertising for Flobeds, but the beds are not 100% certified organic. Flobeds uses blended or natural latex topped with an organic wool fire barrier, covered in organic cotton. If you order a box spring, there will be some assembly required. This makes the foundation more easily shipped through UPS. Shop for Flobeds at Flobeds.com.

9. Foam Sweet Foam (AKA Urban Green Mattress) 82%

Perhaps in an effort to appeal to Earth-conscious shoppers, Foam Sweet Home is now named Urban Green Mattress. Their latex mattresses are the same as they used to be, however. You have three different thicknesses to choose from, each with natural latex layers you can configure yourself. A wool fire barrier and cotton cover wrap the mattresses. You can find these beds at UrbanGreenMattress.com.

Consumer Report’s Best Memory Foam Mattresses of 2015

Data from SleepLikeTheDead and verified customer reviews.

Buying Guide: Shopping for Eco-Friendly Mattresses

Mattress companies know many people consider the environment and harmful chemicals when they shop. Many will try to exploit this concern for their own profit. That’s why you see so many claims about a product’s greenness. Some are genuine and others may be misleading. To help you navigate these claims, we made a short list of things to keep in mind.

“Natural” Labels

Real natural latex beds are highly sought after, with good reason. Here is what SleepLikeTheDead.com found:

Based on our collected owner experience data, natural latex mattresses rate about 15-20% higher in overall satisfaction than blended latex or synthetic latex mattresses. 100% natural latex, however, is usually more expensive than the blended or synthetic varieties. In addition, natural latex appears to perform somewhat better than the blended and synthetic varieties in regard to longevity and resistance to compression / development of body impressions.

Unfortunately, some companies take advantage of this. Be mindful that there are no regulations regarding a “natural” label. Anyone can claim to have a natural mattress. The word “natural” conjures images of serene meadows and trees, but a bed with this label may contain many types of synthetic materials, from the flame retardants to the covers to the foam and more. Look at all the components of your bed. See which certifications, if any, it has and make your judgement based on the facts.

Secretive Mattress Companies

If the company you are considering won’t let you know what materials are in your bed, you shouldn’t give them your business. Often retailers get away with vague wording and omissions of key information. Ask specific questions about what the materials are made of and what processes were used. A green company will be happy to share the wonderful news about their products.

Useless or Harmful Gimmicks

Less is sometimes more. Eco-friendly mattresses are made from natural materials because those are the types of materials our ecosystems are familiar with. Remember everything that goes into your bed will eventually end up being absorbed by the environment, or worse, your body. If you don’t want to ingest it or breathe it in all night, don’t buy it.

Ask yourself if you need a layer of synthetic gel or green-tea-infused foam. What are the benefits versus the costs? Are the benefits worth the costs? Are the benefits backed with clinical data? If you want a green mattress, you have to consider these things very carefully.

Volatile Organic Compounds

One of the most worrisome things about many of our products are volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These harmful chemicals have a low evaporation point making them gasses at room temperature. Some VOCs have been proven to be harmful to humans and the environment. Eco-friendly mattresses are often low-VOC beds, but you should look for certifications like Certi-PUR, Oekotex, or Eco Institut certification to make sure.

Overly Expensive Beds

While this may go without saying, don’t go over-budget when trying to find a green mattress. There are many great, even certified organic choices for around $2,000 or less. You don’t have to spend five figures to get an Earth-friendly bed. Create a budget and stick to your limits. If the bed you want is out of your reach, save or wait for a sale. Mattress companies usually have big sales near the holidays if you can wait.

Fire Barriers

All products sold in the United States have to adhere to governmental fire safety standards. When you are asking about the makeup of your bed, this is an important component. Many companies use toxic chemicals to make their beds flame retardant. Often, these chemicals are toxic to humans and the environment. Greener options include silica/rayon fiber covers and wool. Find out what type of fire barrier is in your mattress.

Your Eco-Friendly Mattress Hunt

Mattress companies have heard the calls of the environmentally friendly shoppers. There are many more green beds to choose from than ever before, especially with breadth of online shopping. You don’t have to feel bad for getting a good night’s sleep or worry about toxic chemicals in your bed with a little research.

As you go shopping for a bed, keep our tips in mind and use your head. If you are concerned about the chemicals and makeup of your bed, you are likely a fairly savvy shopper anyway. Trust your gut. An eco-friendly mattress is one of the best ways to reduce your footprint and get guilt-free sleep.

Share in the comments: What’s most important to you when it comes to buying green? What makes a bed eco-friendly in your opinion?

]]>http://www.thegreensleeper.com/top-10-eco-friendly-mattresses-mattress-companies/feed/0The Ultimate Green Mattress Guide: Shopping for Organic Mattresseshttp://www.thegreensleeper.com/the-ultimate-green-mattress-guide-shopping-for-organic-mattresses/
http://www.thegreensleeper.com/the-ultimate-green-mattress-guide-shopping-for-organic-mattresses/#respondFri, 26 Feb 2016 17:56:15 +0000http://www.thegreensleeper.com/?p=92Buying organic food may be commonplace, but shopping for an organic mattress can be a bit trickier as it isn’t something most people do very [...]

Buying organic food may be commonplace, but shopping for an organic mattress can be a bit trickier as it isn’t something most people do very often. How do you know which is the best or most eco-friendly mattress? Is there some way to verify a retailer’s claims? To answer these questions and more, have a look at our green mattress guide.

People seek organic beds for a variety of reasons, from the health aspects they offer to their environmentally-friendly nature. Organic mattresses are quite possibly the greenest beds available. Whatever your reason for seeking a green mattress, do some reading before making a commitment.

Best Organic Mattress

The Harmony Bed is a 100% organic mattress and is available at Astrabeds.com.

Astrabeds makes some incredibly green mattresses. Not only are they eco-friendly, they are 100% organic, inside and out. The heart of Harmony Bed is made from three layers of organic dunlop latex which is sustainably raised and harvested, and independently certified to the Global Organic Latex Standard. Each side of the bed is customizable with latex of different firmnesses so everyone is happy.

Over the latex is an organic wool fire barrier with no synthetic chemicals. An organic cotton cover wraps the Harmony bed, making it completely organic, inside and out. This is one of the most eco-friendly mattresses you can buy and it is a fraction of the price of many others.

Types of Organic Mattresses

Organic mattresses are typically either innerspring or latex support systems. Innersprings have metal frames with layers of organic materials used for padding. Organic latex mattresses have layers of latex for support instead of coils. Obviously metal cannot be certified organic, so innerspring beds are not composed entirely of organic materials.

Organic latex is made from the sap of the rubber tree. These trees can be harvested in a sustainable fashion for around 30 years. When you read “natural” or “organic” latex, this is where it originates, though natural latex is not necessarily organic. The only recognized standard for finished latex foam is the GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard), and any company claiming to use organic latex should be able to provide third-party certification from an independent testing board approved to certify latex to the GOLS. Textiles like cotton and wool can be certified to a variety of different standards, but always be sure to look for certifications.

Some latex beds are made from petroleum instead of rubber sap. Others are made with a blend of petroleum and rubber sap. These synthetic beds cannot be labeled organic, though you may still see some labeled “natural.” Be careful when you see this label as there are no standards for labeling a product as natural. It is essentially a meaningless label, so don’t attribute value or health benefits with it.

What to Look for in a Green Mattress

As you start looking into the various brands and models of organic beds, you will see some terms or materials you aren’t familiar with. Let’s take a closer look at what may be in your green mattress.

Eco-Friendly Mattress Materials

There are some components to look for when shopping for an organic mattress. These are the types of materials you’ll find in many organic beds.

Organic wool – This soft sheep or goat hair is often used as a natural fire barrier in organic mattresses. In order to adhere to fire safety standards, mattress companies have to have a fire barrier. Many of these barriers consist of toxic chemicals that have been associated with health issues. Wool performs well without having to expose sleepers to toxic chemicals.

Organic cotton – This fibrous plant material is often used as fill or in the ticking or cover. Organic cotton is sustainably grown and harvested using fewer toxic pesticides and herbicides than with conventional methods.

Organic latex – Sap from the rubber tree is essentially baked to make latex. Organic latex is produced from sustainably growing rubber trees and harvesting the sap they produce over as long as 30 years a tree. Only organic methods are used for the life of the trees.

Green Mattress Certifications

How do you know if the bed you’re looking at lives up to the claims they make? Thankfully, there are organizations dedicated to helping customers cut through the marketing claims to get to the facts.

Here are some of the product certifications you will likely see on your quest to find a green mattress:

Control Union Certified Organic – This certifies the entire manufacturing process of the bed is organic from beginning to end. Control Union is a widely accepted global standardization organization.

GOLS – The Global Organic Latex Standard is a division of the Control Union that has a focus on latex. For a product to receive this certification the raw materials, latex processing and packaging have to be assessed. Working conditions and environmental impacts are also evaluated.

GOTS – The Global Organic Textile Standard is one of the leading organic certifications for textiles of all types.

Oeko-Tex Standard 100 – This isn’t an organic certification, but you often see it with organic products. It sets limits for harmful chemical emissions and other VOCs.

Organic Content Standard – OCS verifies organically grown materials by looking where they are grown and produced. They are a globally recognized standard.

TÜV Rheinland – This is an international standard, not for organics, but for durability.

USDA Organic– The United States Department of Agriculture has strict standards for labeling organic products and are recognized globally.

Here are some popular brands with their various certifications.

Astrabeds

Pure Latex Bliss

SavvyRest

Essentia

RoyalPedic

Organic Content Standard Cotton

GOLS Organic Latex Standard

GOTS Certified Wool

USDA Certified Latex

Oeko-Tex Certified Latex

Oregon Tilth Certified Organic

eco-Institut Certified Latex

Control Union Certified Organic Manufacturing Process

TÜV Rheinland Durability Certified

Data from individual retail sites.

Why Buy Sustainable Furniture?

Buying organic sustainable furniture is good for you and the environment. Organic products are grown using methods based on natural process and using few synthetic chemicals. This is a more eco-friendly approach than most contemporary agricultural processes, which are often chemical and energy intensive. Using less petroleum, which is what synthetics are made from, reduces our carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions.

Is an Eco-Friendly Mattress a Healthy Mattress?

Natural products grown organically are healthier to be around than their synthetic counterparts, typically. Humans have consumed natural, plant-based products our entire history. Many synthetic chemicals haven’t been around long or tested much. Some are even known to be toxic and should be avoided. A green mattress can limit your exposure to these toxins.

One of the best health aspects of eco-friendly mattresses is they are typically low-VOC products. If you aren’t familiar with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) you should get to know about them. VOCs are cases emitted from certain solids and liquids. They are a diverse group of chemicals, some of which have adverse health effects. Some of the health effects from VOC exposure include:

Headaches

Loss of coordination and nausea

Irritation of eyes, nose and throats

Liver, kidney and central nervous system damage

Various types of cancers

Indoor concentrations of VOCs are often up to ten times higher than those of outdoors. They come from a number of different products, including mattresses. To help decrease the amount of VOCs you and your loved ones are exposed to, you should be mindful of the products in your home. Green beds tend to emit far fewer VOCs than their synthetic counterparts.

If you are looking for a healthier bed, an organic mattress is a very good choice. Make sure while you are shopping to pay attention to the certifications and read the claims made by the retailer carefully. Before you make your decision also be familiar with the warranty and return policy for the bed you are looking at.

These are great times to shop for sustainable sleep. There have never been so many eco-friendly options, especially with online shopping, which enables you to find organic mattresses almost anywhere in the country. If you pay attention and take your time, you will have no trouble finding a quality green mattress.

]]>http://www.thegreensleeper.com/the-ultimate-green-mattress-guide-shopping-for-organic-mattresses/feed/0Is Memory Foam Toxic? A Look at Chemicals in Mattresseshttp://www.thegreensleeper.com/is-memory-foam-toxic-look-chemicals-in-mattresses/
http://www.thegreensleeper.com/is-memory-foam-toxic-look-chemicals-in-mattresses/#respondWed, 27 Jan 2016 18:09:58 +0000http://www.thegreensleeper.com/?p=74With so many chemicals in our everyday environment many people wonder, is memory foam toxic to humans or the environment? First off, there are many [...]

With so many chemicals in our everyday environment many people wonder, is memory foam toxic to humans or the environment? First off, there are many different types of memory foam out there and there are various other materials in mattresses you may not be aware of.

There are some types of chemicals in mattresses you should be concerned about. Flame retardants, foaming agents, gels and many other materials can be in your memory foam mattress in varying amounts. We’ll go over some of the chemicals in mattresses and let you know what the risks are and what to look for in a safe mattress.

Little or No Memory Foam Smell

While many brands do not release much information about what is inside their mattresses, one way determine if a memory foam mattress is safe is by how much odor it has. Many of the most concerning chemicals are volatile organic compounds which offgas, and produce detectable chemicals smells. A mattress with little detectable odor is not likely to have high levels of VOCs. Consumer reviews are a helpful way to determine if people notice strong unpleasant odors with new foam mattresses.

Here are the top three brands and how they compare in terms of detectable odors by consumers. These are the mattresses that smell the least according to customer reviews.

Brand

Memory Foam Type

Percentage of Customers Complaining of Odor

Overall Owner Satisfaction

Amerisleep

Plant-based

<5%

95%

Serta iComfort

Traditional

6%

76%

Simmons Comforpedic

Traditional

6%

77%

Is Memory Foam Toxic?

Your bedroom should be a safe place you can rest with no worries. If your mattress is toxic, that obviously presents some problems with respect to safety. So, is memory foam toxic? Well, not all memory foams are the same. There are a few different types, each made from different basic materials. Here are the three main types of memory foam mattresses:

Traditional memory foam – Made from petroleum-based polyurethane, these mattresses are the oldest and most common type of memory foam available. Synthetic foams tend to be associated with levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Gel memory foam – Traditional foams have a tendency to sleep hot, so manufacturers began adding gel to help make them feel cooler. The gels have had marginal success, but they do add to the chemical cocktail inside your mattress.

What is Memory Foam?

Memory foam was first developed by NASA in the 1960s to make aircraft seats more safe and comfortable. Memory foam is basically polyurethane with some other chemicals added to increase the material’s density and viscosity. You may have heard it called “viscoelastic” foam. These foams tend to soften when body heat warms them and quickly bounce back to their original shape.

The foam starts off as a liquid mixture which is poured into molds and heated. As the mixture heats up, tiny bubbles throughout it start to expand. It looks like a loaf of bread rising. After the “loaves” cure, they look and feel like the memory foams we all know and love.

What’s Inside Your Mattress?

Every mattress is different on the inside. Memory foam mattresses, though mostly foam, may have dozens of different materials in their composition. Typically, there will be a few layers of foams of varying densities and firmnesses stacked atop one another.

Memory Foam Smell

That memory foam smell is usually no more than an annoyance and will typically significantly fade over a week or two. According to SleepLikeTheDead.com, about 15% of memory foam mattress owners report significant odors from off gassing. Only about 2% actually return their mattresses as a result of the smell.

Odor from Off Gassing Reported by Memory Foam Mattress Owners

Chart data provided by SleepLikeTheDead.com.

Which Chemicals in Mattresses to be Concerned About

Though memory foam is essentially just polyurethane, each company has a different recipe for their foams. Some have gels or other chemicals added for a number of purposes. These are usually proprietary secrets and don’t have to be disclosed.

Mattress covers are made from a number of different materials such as wool, bamboo, cotton, polyester, rayon or a blend of materials. The components most people are typically worried about are the foams and the fire barriers. We’ll take a look at them here.

Memory Foam Makeup

Is memory foam toxic? There are many different kinds of foams, each with different types of materials added, but there are some chemicals found in nearly all foams. Here are the three basic components that make up polyurethane, or memory foams:

Polyols – these sugar alcohols act as binding and bulking agents. These carbohydrates are made from petroleum in traditional foams and soy or castor bean oil in plant-based memory foams.

Diisocyanates – these react with the blowing agents and polyols to create the polyurethane foam. The most common types are are toluene diisocyanate (TDI) and methylene bisphenyl isocyanate (MDI) which can cause respiratory problems if inhaled in their raw forms. After the foam is cured, they are inert except for limited off gassing.

Blowing Agents – chemicals used to create a cellular structure while the foam is transitioning from liquid to its final solid state. CFCs used to be used, but water and HFCs are more common today.

Potential Chemicals of Concern

The question “is memory foam toxic?” is more complicated than it seems. There are some chemicals in mattresses that are cause for more concern than others. U.S. laws obviously protect consumers from the most hazardous chemicals, but some have been associated with potential health issues.

As mentioned earlier, every company makes their mattresses differently. Some mattresses may be nearly free of hazardous chemicals, but others could have much higher amounts. Here are the chemicals in mattresses you should be wary of:

Methyl benzene – may affect the nervous system if inhaled.

Acetone – toxic if inhaled in large amounts and may irritate skin.

Methylene dianiline / MDA – carcinogen; can cause liver and thyroid damage if ingested. Manufacturing process is much more likely to cause toxic levels of exposure than household contact.

Vinylidene chloride – possible carcinogen; linked with respiratory problems and central nervous system side effects. Manufacturing process is primary time for concern.

Methylene chloride – linked with central nervous system effects, respiratory irritation and possible organ damage with long-term exposure. Not used in current methods much.

Formaldehyde – not an ingredient, but may result as a byproduct of chemical reactions. Known carcinogen/toxin. May cause headaches and respiratory issues.

Flame Retardants

Other materials in memory foam mattresses may have much more cause for concern. Polyurethane is flammable and products in the U.S. must adhere to fire safety standards set by the government. Some manufacturers have foregone elements of chemical safety in pursuit of a more fire-safe product.

Toxic fire retardant chemicals can be avoided it you pay attention to your mattress components. Here are some chemicals that are used by mattress manufacturers to meet fire safety standards:

Toxic Fire Barrier Materials

Brominated fire retardants/Polybrominated diphenyl ethers/PBDEs – carcinogenic variations of this chemical group have been phased out, but still may be present in older mattresses.

Non-toxic Fire Barrier Materials

Alessandra fabric – may contain modacrylic fiber, but can be made safely.

Wool – natural flame-resistant material.

Kevlar – synthetic material used in bulletproof vests.

Rayon treated with silica – rayon is derived from the pulp of bamboo; silica is derived from sand.

Picking A Safe Mattress

So how can you find a bed without toxic chemicals? There are no completely safe beds; even completely natural materials can emit small amounts of toxins and VOCs. Mattress offgassing is reduced with the right bed, however. If you are hoping to avoid a harmful memory foam smell, you just have to pay attention to some details when shopping.

VOCs are the most commonly talked about harmful chemicals in mattresses. Many of the chemicals discussed so far fall into this category or have a tendency to breakdown into one or more VOCs over time. These volatile organic compounds evaporate at room temperature and so are often present in the air, which presents obvious problems.

Effects from VOCs can vary from slight irritation to severe allergic-type reactions. Most people will experience no symptoms at all, but there are some who are sensitive to chemicals who may have adverse reactions. Most VOC side effects are from long-term exposure.

When you are shopping for a mattress, be wary of companies claiming to have no VOCs or a “VOC free mattress.” VOCs cannot be completely eliminated from memory foam. Low VOC polyurethane does exist however, and you should seek it out.

These low VOC polyurethane mattresses are becoming more widely available. Plant-based memory foams, such as those from Amerisleep, are low VOC polyurethane that are much safer. Make sure to ask your retailer what your mattress is made from and see what they say about the level of VOCs in their product.

Mattress Brands Comparison

The nose knows. One of the best tools for VOC detection is on your face. Some customers complain of a memory foam smell in their mattresses. Below is a comparison table of some popular brands and how they rate in customer odor complaints and overall satisfaction. Take a look at how the compare.

Brand

Memory Foam Type

Percentage of Customers Complaining of Odor

Overall Owner Satisfaction

Amerisleep

Plant-based

<5%

95%

BedInABox

Traditional

15%

86%

Comfort Dreams

Traditional

9%

82%

Novaform

Traditional

11%

81%

Sealy Optimum

Traditional

9%

77%

Serta iComfort

Traditional

6%

76%

Signature Sleep

Traditional

10%

86%

Simmons Comforpedic

Traditional

6%

77%

Spa Sensations

Traditional

8%

72%

Tempurpedic

Traditional

17%

81%

Data is from SleepLikeTheDead.com and mattress retail sites.

Is Memory Foam Toxic for the Environment?

As a Green Sleeper reader, you are probably wondering is memory foam toxic for the Earth? While there are recycling efforts, most still end up in the landfill. There they break down into their chemical components over time. Whatever is in your mattress is absorbed by the local environment. If there are toxins in your bed, they will end up poisoning the area they decompose in. Synthetic memory foams are derived from petroleum and tend to be more toxic than those made from plant-based memory foams.

Avoiding Chemicals in Mattresses

To ensure you avoid a memory foam smell and offgassing, buy a mattress that rates well for odors and is made from low VOC polyurethane. Once you get your mattress home, unpack it and let it air out in a well-ventilated area for a few days. Like any new product, mattresses will have a temporary small odor.

Our regulations are made to keep us safe. Memory foam has been approved for regular use by our government and has been used in homes for many years. While some memory foam beds may be safer than others, none are really dangerous. Be mindful of the hazards and avoid them where you can. Now you know what to say when someone asks “is memory foam toxic?”

]]>http://www.thegreensleeper.com/is-memory-foam-toxic-look-chemicals-in-mattresses/feed/09 DIY Fixes for a Too Soft or Too Firm Mattresshttp://www.thegreensleeper.com/9-diy-fixes-for-a-too-soft-or-too-firm-mattress/
http://www.thegreensleeper.com/9-diy-fixes-for-a-too-soft-or-too-firm-mattress/#respondMon, 04 Jan 2016 17:17:31 +0000http://www.thegreensleeper.com/?p=38If your mattress is too firm or too soft there are some things you can do to fix it. Don’t suffer another night with poor [...]

If your mattress is too firm or too soft there are some things you can do to fix it. Don’t suffer another night with poor sleep. We have nine DIY ways to save your bed from the landfill by extending its life or just making it more comfortable.

Think twice before you toss your bed out. One of the most sustainable things you can do is extend the life of a product. The stuff that makes up new products has to come from somewhere. Raw materials must be mined, extracted, grown or otherwise harvested and these processes have ecological footprints that last for hundreds or thousands of years.

If you extend the life of your bed or other products you will help limit the environmental harm associated with the harvesting of raw materials. Not to mention, you’ll help reduce methane emissions produced from waste breaking down in the landfill. Methane is a greenhouse gas that is 25 times worse than CO2!

What do you do if you mattress is too firm or soft? It isn’t the end of the world. The Green Sleeper is here to help you with your troubles by offering some ways to fix a too firm mattress or whatever may be ailing your bed.

Time for a New Mattress?

If you mattress is too far gone, it may need replaced. Green Sleepers are probably looking for an eco-friendly bed. Some of the most sustainable mattresses are made from materials derived from plants. Here are a couple beds that you can get some guilt-free sleep on.

Organic natural latex is one of the most eco-friendly sleep surfaces currently available, made using sustainable resources and ingredients that won’t impair your indoor air quality. The Astrabeds Harmony Bed is made entirely from certified organic materials. It has three layers of customizable latex made from sustainably-harvested latex. The trees live for 30 years or more, providing sap for latex their whole lives. The Harmony Bed has also an organic wool fire barrier and is covered in organic cotton.

Another option for those who aren’t fans of latex or who are seeking a more affordable green alternative are plant-based foams which use botanical extracts and oils in place a portion of the synthetics. The Amerisleep Revere is one bed that is made from plant-derived components, but this one is memory foam. Soybean oil is the main ingredient for the plant-based foams in all Amerisleep beds. The Revere is their most popular mattress and is covered in a Celliant-infused fabric. Celliant has been clinically proven to improved circulation along with other health benefits.

If you want to hold on to your mattress a bit longer and try to fix it, there are a few tricks you can try. To help you do your part and keep the world a cleaner, cooler place, here are 9 things you can do if your mattress is too firm or soft.

How to Fix a Too Firm Mattress

If your mattress is too firm, there are some simple things you can do to get back in the comfort zone. Fixing a bed that is too hard is easier than fixing an overly soft one. Here is how to fix a too firm mattress.

Heat it up.

If you have typed “memory foam mattress too hard” into a search engine box recently, this solution may be for you. Most memory foam is temperature sensitive, meaning it changes firmness with heat. Use and electric blanket or turn your room temperature up to see if your mattress softens up.

Break it in.

If you have a new bed, your problem may be that it is too new. Some mattresses need to be broken in a little before they reach the desired firmness level. Try walking on the bed a couple times a day until it softens.

Rotate it.

If you haven’t tried rotating or flipping your mattress, you may want to do that before resorting to more costly measures. Not all are intended to be flipped, however. Make sure your mattress is flippable before you turn it over.

Buy a soft topper.

You will have no problem finding a mattress topper if you decide you need one. They are made from a variety of materials. If you want to make your mattress softer, make sure you get a soft topper.

How to Fix a Too Soft Mattress

Fixing an overly soft bed is a bit more difficult, but there are some things you can do to improve you chances of sleeping tonight. Take a look a at how to fix a too soft mattress.

Provide it with proper support.

A good mattress will provide good support for your body while you sleep, but they also need some support. Without it, your bed may sag. Make sure your boxspring and steel frame are in good working condition. King and queen beds should have center bars with feet to ensure adequate support. Check your slats if you use them and replace broken or warped slats.

You may also place plywood or particle board sheets on top of the boxspring for the mattress to rest on or consider a platform bed with a solid base. If only one partner desires more firmness, you can place a smaller board under solely their part of the bed.

Rotate it.

You can wear a mattress in the spots you normally sleep, making those areas softer. Try rotating or flipping your it so you are resting on a new spot and wearing the bed more evenly.

Change layers.

If your bed has a removable cover or replaceable layers, you may be able to change your worn layers for newer ones. You may have to request the services of a professional upholstery company to fix a too soft mattress.

Buy a firm topper.

Toppers are usually used to soften up a sleep surface, but you can find some designed to be firm, such as those made from a firm latex foam or higher density polyurethane. These are very effective at making a mattress firmer.

Check your warranty.

Are you still covered by your warranty? If so, you may be able to make a claim if your mattress is overly soft due to significant sagging or premature wear. Most warranties will only cover sagging if it is significant or over a certain depth, so check your policy. There is no sense trying to make your mattress firmer if you can get a new one.

Advantages to Mattress Toppers

The top four benefits to using mattress toppers are illustrated with data provided by SleepLikeTheDead.com.

Disadvantages to Mattress Toppers

The six most commonly cited disadvantages according to customers. Data provided by SleepLikeTheDead.com.

Types of Toppers

You can get toppers made from many different materials. Each type has unique characteristics and can be found in a variety of price ranges. Use them to make your mattress firmer or to soften one up. Here are some of the most common types of mattress toppers.

Memory foam – effective for improving comfort and widely available.

Latex – better for softening and can be certified organic.

Down – work well for softening, but need to be fluffed.

Fiber – relatively cheap and not likely to affect allergies.

Wool – effective for softening and durable, but requires fluffing.

Make a Mattress Firmer or Softer

Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. Theodore Roosevelt probably didn’t have mattresses in mind when he said this, but it works here. Consider the things you can do easily and cheaply before you commit to a costly fix. You can save a few bucks and help the planet out by fixing a too firm mattress rather than throwing it out.